If you love Japanese fashion then you inherently must be fascinated with the Japanese Kimono. Probably one of the most iconic pieces of Japanese tradition, it stands for beauty and elegance and is giving us a deep insight into Japanese culture.

Often categorized as a garment of the east, only being worn in Japan, the Kimono has influenced fashion all around the world. From singer Bjork’s famous album cover for “Chromogenic” in 1997, showcasing a kimono-inspired creation by Alexander McQueen. The Kimono also inspired many costume designers, including the famous Star Wars franchise, just take a closer look at Obi-Wan.

Kimono – Kyoto to Catwalk

The five short videos in this series by the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum, will answer all you ever wanted to know about the Kimono. From its History, how it changed over the centuries, and how it still exists in modern-day Japanese culture.

So make sure to join Anna Jackson at the V&A in this short video series for a curated tour of its exhibition: Kimono – Kyoto to Catwalk. Where she brings you on a walk through time. A chance for you to learn more about this traditional Japanese garment, that has influenced our pop culture, in a personal virtual tour through the V&A.

You will be astounded with the presenter’s detailed explanations of how the fabrics have changed over the centuries and how they have slowly made their way into mainstream fashion. I personally love her insights and thoughts on woodblock prints depicting ancient scenes of every day Japanese life. As she gives a unique perspective and amazing insights not just about the Kimono, but also into the Japanese lifestyle at the time.

So why not take a quick break, lean back and enjoy this mini series…

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Cindy Bissig
Cindy is a content creator living the nomadic lifestyle in Japan, exploring this beautiful country one city at a time. She works as a food and travel writer, photographer and helps people discover Japan on her YouTube channel "Let's Travel and Eat". As a certified sake sommelier, she loves sipping on a cup of delicious sake on her time off and loves going off-the-beaten-path discovering the weird and wonderful. You will likely find her drinking coffee in a local cafe, in front of a food truck, or wandering around with a camera in her hand taking in the world through her lens.